The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship is a prestigious collegiate sports competition held annually to determine the champion of the ACC in various sports. Established in 1953, the ACC is one of the top athletic conferences in the United States, featuring elite teams competing in sports such as basketball, football, soccer, and more.
Among its most famous events is the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, which has a rich history of producing legendary teams and players. The tournament typically features a single-elimination format, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Similarly, the ACC Football Championship Game decides the conference’s champion in college football and plays a significant role in determining playoff contenders.
With powerhouse programs like Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, and Florida State, the ACC Championship remains a highly anticipated event, drawing millions of fans and shaping the landscape of collegiate athletics.
Duke vs. Georgia Tech – ACC Tournament Quarterfinals (March 13, 2025)
In a hard-fought quarterfinal matchup at the 2025 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, No. 1 seed Duke defeated No. 8 seed Georgia Tech 78-70 to advance to the semifinals. The game, played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, saw dramatic swings in momentum, an injury to a key player, and a strong second-half comeback by Duke.
Game Summary:
- Halftime Score: Georgia Tech led 35-30 at the break.
- Second Half: Duke outscored Georgia Tech 48-35 to seal the victory.
- Key Turning Point: Duke surged late in the second half, overcoming a five-point halftime deficit with strong defensive play and clutch shooting.
Key Highlights:
Duke’s Cooper Flagg Injured
- Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, a projected top NBA Draft pick, suffered a left ankle injury late in the first half while contesting a rebound.
- He was helped off the court and did not return, raising concerns about his availability for the semifinals.
Kon Knueppel’s Heroics
- With Flagg out, Kon Knueppel stepped up and led Duke with 28 points, shooting efficiently from the field.
- He hit several clutch shots down the stretch to help the Blue Devils regain control.
Georgia Tech’s Strong Start
- Georgia Tech dominated the first half with stifling defense and aggressive rebounding.
- Miles Kelly led the Yellow Jackets with 21 points, keeping them competitive throughout the game.
Duke’s Defensive Adjustment
- In the second half, Duke ramped up its full-court press, forcing Georgia Tech into costly turnovers.
- Duke outscored Georgia Tech in fast-break points, capitalizing on transition opportunities.
the result
Duke Advances to the Semifinals
- The Blue Devils will face either Wake Forest or North Carolina on March 14, 2025 in the ACC semifinals.
- Flagg’s injury status remains uncertain, which could impact Duke’s chances in the next round.
Georgia Tech’s Tournament Hopes
- Georgia Tech exits the ACC Tournament but could still receive an NCAA Tournament bid as an at-large selection.
a summary;
Duke showed resilience after losing a key player, demonstrating their depth and ability to adjust mid-game. Georgia Tech, despite the loss, put up a strong fight and may still have a shot at the March Madness tournament.
